Preface: Activists, How Proud It Sounds!

Opposite the superstition on the fatality of drugs are people who confirm that it is not drugs that kill but rather the stereotypes ingrained in current drug policies, education and all cultural forms through which we acknowledge and find our position in the world. These people are brave enough to break the chains of society’s condemnation and publicly admit to having used and/or use drugs. By standing publicly, they disclose that the true evil lies in the institutional discrimination and social stigmatization towards people who use drugs and not in drugs, as policy creators attempt to convince us. Often drugs activists are sanctioned, even persecuted for the courage to publically speak about the real drug problems, yet they remain persistent in their efforts for introduction of humane drug policies that will contribute towards promotion of the social status of people who use drugs, as well as the promotion of social wellbeing of all. This is why we dedicate this issue of the Drugs – Policies and Practices magazine to the brave and those still looking to find the courage to stand at the forefront of their own rights.